The Liberty Open, one of the nation's premier LGBTQ+ tennis tournaments, returns in 2026 with its guiding principle of "Love All" - a term that begins every tennis match and represents the tournament's commitment to fairness, respect, and the freedom to play openly in a sport where that hasn't always been guaranteed. Tournament Director Kevin Ko explained that "Love All is both a tennis truth and a cultural value" that represents the spirit of the tournament as competitive, inclusive, and grounded in respect.
Founded in 1993 by the Metropolitan Tennis Group and sanctioned by the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance, the Liberty Open serves as a flagship event within the global LGBTQ+ tennis community. Each year, the tournament welcomes more than 200 athletes of all levels to compete across five competitive divisions for all-genders while fostering meaningful connection on and off the court. The 2026 event is proudly supported by the USTA, whose partnership helps elevate visibility, access, and opportunity for LGBTQ+ athletes.
Beyond competition, the Liberty Open demonstrates its community commitment through charitable giving. Proceeds from the tournament benefit The Trevor Project, the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people under 25. This support addresses a critical need, as LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide as their peers. Khai Nguyen, Communications Director for the Metropolitan Tennis Group, noted that "supporting The Trevor Project through the Liberty Open is a tangible way our community shows up for LGBTQ+ youth."
The 2026 tournament will take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the US Open, from July 10-12. The event weekend includes social gatherings celebrating players and community, including a Players' Welcome Draw Party and Tournament Banquet. Registration opens on the GLTA Tournament website on March 14, 2026. Seong-Moh Yang, Commissioner at Metropolitan Tennis Group, emphasized that "at the Liberty Open, the joy isn't just in winning — it's in the pursuit and in celebrating the game together."
This tournament represents more than athletic competition; it creates a space where LGBTQ+ athletes can compete openly while supporting vulnerable youth through The Trevor Project's vital services. The event's location at a premier tennis facility and partnership with the USTA signals growing institutional recognition of LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. As tennis continues to evolve, events like the Liberty Open demonstrate how athletic competition can foster community, promote mental health support, and advance inclusion in ways that extend far beyond the court.
